A Killer Plot (A Books by the Bay Mystery)

with courtesy.”
    Olivia admired the chief’s professionalism, but it was clear that Millay disagreed with his beliefs. Twirling a strand of hair around her index finger, she turned to Harris for support. “Don’t you think Atlas deserves to fry like a piece of bacon?”
    At the word, Haviland raised his head and sniffed the air.
    Harris didn’t answer Millay. He seemed to be considering how to respond without giving offense. Laurel glanced at them and said, “Atlas has lost the only thing he ever cared about. His daughter.” She reached across and touched Millay’s hand. “Don’t get me wrong. I hate Atlas Kraus. He extinguished such a bright light when he took Camden’s life. He’s sick and twisted. I mean, the way he so calmly planned these horrible things, and then to write those last two poems ...” Her lips trembled and she sucked in a deep breath in order to steady her voice. “But I want to forget about him and focus on this instead.” She waved her hand around the room. “Camden would be so pleased to see us together tonight.”
    “But what about justice?” Millay cried. “Is Blake going to walk? We all know he had something to do with at least one of the murders!”
    Rawlings looked pained. “No one is going to escape justice, but gathering enough evidence correctly takes time. I can assure you that Mr. Talbot’s freedom is temporary. We’ve held several meetings with the DA and as soon as we’re through with our procedural requirements, this case will be wrapped up as tightly as a spring.”
    “Right now, Blake’s a media darling. The boy who dodged death.” Olivia felt she had to add weight to the chief’s argument however much she understood Millay’s indignation. “Talbot Fine Properties has a talented PR department. Have you noticed the expensive patio furniture at Bagels ‘n’ Beans or the new sign and awning hanging over Grumpy’s? Dozens of local business owners received ‘gifts of gratitude’ from Blake Talbot, as a means of personally thanking them for their hospitality to his family and his fiancée. The locals have provided the newspapers with nothing but positive quotes in regards to the youngest Talbot but they’ll turn on him like vultures the second one of Oyster Bay’s finest finishes reading him his rights.”
    Laurel nodded in agreement. “It’ll be easy to forget about him once he’s been put away because he’s an outsider. He was only a visitor here, so everyone can blame his crimes on his parents or his upbringing or his music, but then they’ll put him out of their minds, like a guest that finally goes home after a long and miserable visit.”
    Millay shook her head in disgust and then barked out a dry, humorless laugh. “You know, this Atlas guy was actually really dumb. He should have just left Heidi and Blake alone. They would have broken up eventually without his interference. Nobody stays together in Hollywood!” She threw her hands in the air, exasperated.
    “He wasn’t as smart as you,” Harris whispered and Millay’s hard look instantly softened. “Come on,” he nudged her playfully. “Like Laurel said, it’s time to move forward. Let’s go watch the fireworks from the pier. We can pick up a six-pack and a pizza on the way.”
    “You read my mind.” Millay gathered her belongings, downed the rest of her champagne, and then slowly extended her hand to Rawlings. “I’m glad you joined our group. You’re not like other cops. In fact, you’re kind of like Camden. A gentleman.”
    Rawlings took her hand, his face lit with pleasure. “I hope you’re as forgiving with my chapter next week.” He then gave Harris a hearty handshake and with feigned sternness said, “Make sure you don’t get behind the wheel after you drink that six-pack.”
    The group dispersed. Laurel had promised to meet her family at the waterfront and Rawlings needed to swing by the station in order to ascertain whether the officers scheduled to assist the fire department with the fireworks display were prepared to carry out their duty.
    Leaving Haviland inside to clean up a dropped hunk of cheese, Olivia walked the writers to their cars. She waved good-bye as they drove off into the lavender twilight.
    After tidying up the cottage, she and Haviland took a leisurely stroll along the empty beach, a large, luminescent moon hovering over Olivia’s right shoulder. They walked aimlessly for a mile and then turned around as the indigo sky reluctantly